Regaining Consciousness

Saturday, ‎August 26, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Romans 12:4-5

4 For in the same way that one body has so many different parts, each with different functions; 5 we, too—the many—are different parts that form one body in the Anointed One. Each one of us is joined with one another, and we become together what we could not be alone.

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: PSALM 119:89-176 1 CORINTHIANS 8

Regaining Consciousness

Martin Luther, accused of heresy(beliefs and practices disagreeing with the established church), was called before an assembly of the leaders of the established church in 1521. The leaders wanted to burn him at the stake, a fate that had already claimed many of his contemporaries. They asked him to recant, or say he was totally wrong, but he stood with the courage of the Holy Spirit and said,

“Unless I am convinced by sacred Scripture, or by evident reason, I cannot recant, for my conscience is held captive by the word of God, and to act against conscience is neither right nor safe.”

Luther walked away a free man.

Luther was what we call, 'God-conscious'. He was conscious of the Spirit of God in His life-yet he was just like us-human.

He was a sinner saved by grace. He was subject to all the weaknesses we know.

1 John 2:16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The difference between Martin Luther and many of us is that he was consumed by his love of God.

Psalm 69:9 Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

Training our minds on Him-seeking His kingdom-memorizing, meditating on and reading scripture-maintaining an attitude of prayer in humility-this is learning God consciousness. This is what the Puritans called 'practicing the presence'.

Nothing will ever take the place of what Jesus called 'taking up your cross daily'(Luke 9:23).

What occupies your mind? If it is not of faith, it is sin(Romans 14:23). For it to be of faith, we must center our minds on the one who died for us-especially out in the world of sin.

Your mind-try it-test it-train it-let the Holy Spirit teach your mind self-control.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me my lazy mind. I confess that I make all kinds of excuses.

Train my mind, teach me wisdom and self-control.

Patient comforter and divine teacher,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen